Beeswax analysis

Beeswax is used as a natural raw material in wax-processing industries. The main customers include the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as well as manufacturers of candles. However, a considerable part goes back into the wax cycle of the beekeepers, where the wax is used as honeycomb base for the bee colonies. For the quality assurance of beeswax we offer different analyses regarding authenticity and residues.

Authenticity

Beeswax is a natural resource. Limited availability, rising prices and high demand make beeswax a target for adulteration. The addition of cheap paraffin is the most commonly detected adulteration. Furthermore, stearin and animal / vegetable fats are used to “stretch” authentic beeswax. In addition to the recommended GC analysis, we offer a variety of test parameters in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia, RAL-GZ041 and Regulation (EC) 231/2012:

Beekeeping / waxworking
Regarding beekeeping / wax foundation production, we recommend GC analysis for wax adulteration, which is also suitable for general adulteration testing. On the other hand, we take a critical view of determining the total hydrocarbons (TCH), which is widespread in wax analysis and the wax industry. According to the literature, the natural content of total hydrocarbons varies, ranging from 11.6 to 17.7%. Consequently, a wax containing 17% of TCH may be authentic or may be adulterated with up to 4.4% of foreign hydrocarbons. GC analysis stipulates the concentration of foreign hydrocarbons such as paraffin or ceresin, regardless of the content of TCH, and thus clearly reveals any adulteration.
Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry
The use of beeswax in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry often requires compliance with the quality requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The required analyses are covered by Package 317 (parameters according to Eu. Ph.) and comprise parameters such as acidity and saponification value or melting point.
Candle industry
The requirements for the production of beeswax candles are listed in RAL-GZ041. In addition to the wax key figures et al, the quantity of total hydrocarbons is a quality parameter. The required analysis is summarized in Package 316 (parameter according to RAL-GZ041).
Food industry
The use of beeswax as food additive E901 requires compliance with the quality criteria laid down in Regulation (EC) 231/2012. These correspond to a large extent to those of the European Pharmacopoeia and can be ordered separately.

Residues

When honey is stored in wax combs, residues from agriculture (pesticides, neonicotinoids) and from the environment (e.g. PCB) can be introduced into the beeswax. Residues from beekeeping, such as varroacides (fluvalinate, thymol) are also a problem. Depending on the use of the beeswax, these are the analysis services we offer:

Beekeeping / waxworking
For beekeepers / wax workers, it is important that no pesticides / varroacides from the wax combs migrate into honey earmarked for human consumption. To meet these requirements, we offer a small package (310 pesticides / varroacide) and a large package (315 pesticides / Varroacide XL) for all substances relevant to beekeeping.
Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry
The use of beeswax in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics requires compliance with limit values in accordance with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eu.). We offer Package 314 for this purpose.
Industry
In addition to the analyses of the European Pharmacopoeia, our extensive industry spectrum contains other relevant residues and contaminants such as Coumaphos.

Of course, we also analyse individual parameters such as amitraz (as metabolite), glyphosate or DEET for you. Furthermore, we offer analyses for heavy metals and antibiotics such as sulfonamides or amphenicols.